In a new twist into the $1.1million internet scam involving Ramon “Hushpuppi” Abass and DCP Abba Kyari, the office of the Attorney General issued new legal advice exonerating Kyari from money laundering allegations.
The office of the AGF, which in its first legal advice admitted that a prima- facie case of money laundering of 33 payments was established by the DIG Joseph Egbunike led Special Investigation Panel against Kyari, has now said there are no links with Kyari following further investigations.
The new legal advice with reference number, DPPA/LA/814/21, written on behalf of the AGF by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar emphasized that the evidence contained in the case diary had no link between DCP Abba Kyari and Hushpuppi.
It said the evidence contained in the case diary “was not sufficient to indicate or show that the said monies (N279million) were laundered directly or indirectly by Kyari to disguise their origin” adding that “the police report on the investigation failed to probe the gaps identified in their investigation by the AGF office”.
The advise titled “Re: Forwarding of the investigation report of the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Team and request for legal advice with regards to allegations of criminal conspiracy, aiding and abetting Internet fraud, wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering against DCP Abba Kyari” was addressed to IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
It reads: “I am directed to inform you that after a careful study of the said response wherein you stated that ‘the monies have been traced to account no. 2255416115 belonging to Usman Ibrahim Waziri; account no. 0130665392 belonging to Adekoya Sikiru; account no. 2080537566 belonging to Hussein Ala and other funds went to Sharon Festus’. The monies were withdrawn and utilised by the aforementioned account holders and the lady.
“It is our view that the above response has not linked the suspect, DCP Abba Kyari, to the offence of money laundering as the evidence contained in the case diary is not sufficient to indicate or show that the said monies were laundered directly..
About The Author
